A new dispute has erupted between the services union, Verdi, and Europe’s largest online retailer, Zalando. A study published on 20 November and commissioned by the union-friendly Hans-Böckler Foundation has, for the first time, analyzed how a digital peer-employee ranking system operates at the German online retailer, Zalando, within its Berlin facility (2,000 staff), and the consequences thereof. ‘Zonar’ is the software employees can use to anonymously rank their co-workers. Staff are then classed into three performance categories and remunerated accordingly. The researchers argue that the main aim of this type of system is to evaluate, monitor, and sanction employees on an ongoing basis. Zalando has vigorously rebutted these claims and criticized the study as being biased and unrepresentative. However, barely had the ink dried on this publication then a new wave of controversy erupted over the impact of new digital technologies on the world of work.
Three performance categories. The study at the center of the controversy was carried out for the Hans Böckler Foundation by Professors Philipp Staab and Sascha-Christopher Geschke from the Humboldt University, Berlin. Over a period of two years they conducted interviews with ten Zalando employees, analyzed training opportunities and support, and held discussions with data protection and labor law experts. Their attempts to interact with Zalando management were met without success.
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